Interview with Kristin Addis of Be My Travel Muse

Kristin Addis is a travel blogger (at Be My Travel Muse) who says in one of her blog posts that after a few months of independent travel, she found her focus of “talking to locals, ditching guide books, and going to places that not many people had heard of.” Here, she shares the importance of networking, the one major thing on her bucket list, and the best advice she’s ever received.

Fun fact about you:
My breasts can tell if it’s going to rain…well they can tell if it’s raining. [editor’s note: she’s not crazy… it’s a movie reference]

Funner fact:
I can speak Mandarin Chinese

Funnest fact:
I have a truly uncanny sense of smell

What do you think has been essential to your success as a travel blogger?Difficult to say, but I think the chief aspect has been networking. I’ve had a lot of mentors along the way who have selflessly guided me and made invaluable suggestions. Other than that, I think focusing on putting out great content and being responsive to readers have both been important as well.

What was something that surprised you about blogging?
It’s a journey, but not the end game. I think travel blogging has the potential to open a lot of doors, but for most people, it’s a platform to make other things happen.

If you had to describe your blog in 6 words or less, what would you say?
Off the beaten path adventures.

Who or what inspires you?The incredibly friendly locals I’ve met along the way who have helped me when it didn’t benefit them directly. They just wanted to help, and that’s beautiful.

What is your all-time favorite bucket list item (of yours or someone else’s)?I don’t even know what this means anymore. I just chase whatever passion currently stirs my soul. There is one major thing on my bucket list, though: making it to outer space. I know, dream big.

If you weren’t doing anything related to travel, what would you be doing in your free time?Well, in my free time I enjoy painting, dancing, and reading. If I lived in one place and had the time to devote to it, I’d really like to learn how to play the cello. It’s such a sexy instrument. When I hear it I feel a lump rising in my throat. It just moves me.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?Stop caring so much what anyone else thinks. It will set you free.

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Thanks Kristin for sharing your time and thoughts with us. If you want to learn more about Kristin’s travels, you can read her blog, which also has links to her social media profiles.

Who else do you want to learn more about? If you have an inspiring person in mind, please let me know using the contact form or comments below.

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